How do you use a semicolon?

The use of semicolon

• The semicolon is used to separate major sentence elements of equal grammatical lengths (Hacker 250).
• The semicolon is used between closely related independent clauses not joined with a coordinating conjunction (Hacker 251).
  • Related independent clauses in one sentence are usually connected with a

comma and a coordinating conjunction (and, but, or, nor, for, so, yet) (Hacker 251).

• The conjunction expresses the relation between the clauses. If the

relation is clear without the conjunction, a writer may choose to connect the clauses with a semicolon instead. (Hacker 251)

• • "Injustice is relatively easy to bear;what stings is justice." - H.L.Mencken

• A semicolon must be used whenever a coordinating conjunction has been

omitted between independent clauses. If a comma is used instead of a semicolon, it creates a kind of run-on sentence called a comma splice. (Hacker 251)

• In 1800, a traveler needed six weeks to get from New York City to Chicago; in 1860, the trip by railroad took two days (Hacker 251).

• Use a semicolon between independent clauses linked with a transitional expression (Hacker 251).

• Transitional expressions consist of conjunctive adverbs and transitional phrases (Hacker 251).

Conjunctive Adverbs

accordingly, also, anyway, besides, certainly, consequently, conversely, finally, furthermore, hence, however, incidentally, indeed, instead, likewise, meanwhile, moreover, nevetheless, next, nonetheless, otherwise, similarly, specifically, still, subsequently, then, therefore, thus (Hacker 251).

Transitional Phrases

after all, as a matter fact, as a result, at any rate, at the same time, even so, for example, for instance, in addition, in conclusion, in fact, in other words, in the first place, on the contrary, on the other hand (Hacker 252).

• When a transitional expression appears between two independent clauses, it is preceded by a semicolon and often followed by a comma (Hacker 252).

• Many corals grow very gradually; in fact, the creation of a coral reef can take centuries (Hacker 252).

• If a transitional expression appears in the middle or at the end of the second independent clause, then the semicolon goes between the clauses (Hacker 252).

• Most singers gain fame through hard work and dedication; Evita, however, found other means (Hacker 252).

• Use a semicolon between items in a series containing internal punctuation (Hacker 252).

• Classic science fiction sagas are Star Trek, with Mr. Spock and his large pointed ears; Battlestar Galactica, with its Cylon Raiders; and Star Wars, with Han Solo, Luke Skywalker, and Darth Vader (Hacker 252).

• Without the use of semicolons, the reader has to sort out the major groupings to distinguish between important and less important pauses, based on the logic of the sentence (Hacker 252).
• By utilizing semicolons at the main breaks, the writer does the work for the reader (Hacker 252).

Common Misuse of the semicolon

• Avoid using a semicolon in the following situations.

• Between a subordinate clause and the rest of the sentence

• Incorrect: Unless you brush your teeth within ten or fifteen minutes after eating; brushing does almost no good.
• Correct: Unless you brush your teeth within ten or fifteen minutes after eating, brushing does almost no good.

• Between an appositive and the word it refers to

• Incorrect: The scientists were fascinated by the species Argyroneta acquatica; a spider that lives underwater.
• Correct: The scientists were fasicinated by the